Britain to reiterate 'terror export' stand during Zardari-Cameron talks in London

London, Aug.3 (ANI): Notwithstanding Pakistan's strong objections over Prime Minister David Cameron's "export of terror" remarks, the British leadership would be repeating its concerns and asking Islamabad to crack down on militants inside its territory during President Asif Ali Zardari's upcoming London visit.

A spokeswoman for 10 Downing Street, while trying to lower down the escalated tension between the two countries, said that during his talks with Zardari, Cameron is expected to put things straight and ask Islamabad for substantial action against terror groups breeding on its soil.

The Pakistan President will meet Cameron at his country residence in Chequers, on the outskirts of London, on August 6.

Zardari is under immense pressure from various quarters to cancel his trip to Britain in the wake of Cameron's remarks against Pakistan, however, the country's Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira stressed that it would not be wise to cut the communication channels.

"We can't sit in isolation, we have to present our view to the world. India levels charges against us all the time but we continue to interact. David Cameron's statement has been hurtful but we can't cut communication channels," The News quoted Kaira, as saying.

Kaira also rejected reports that Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Ahmed Shuja Pasha was also due to accompany Zardari on the London trip, but he cancelled the trip in protest against Cameron's tirade.

"It's completely wrong that DG ISI was coming. We have taken a stand on it at all levels. Intelligence agencies are under the civilian government and they are following our orders," he claimed.

It is worth mentioning here that during his India visit last week, Cameron had blasted Pakistan for promoting terror.

"We cannot tolerate in any sense the idea that this country is allowed to look both ways and is able, in any way, to promote the export of terror," Cameron had said in Bengaluru.

Cameron had said that Pakistan could not "look both ways" in receiving billions of dollars in aid from Western nations while continuing to "promote the export of terror, whether to India or Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world".

He later defended his comments, and said: "I think it's important, as I say, to speak frankly about these things to countries that are your friends".

When asked whether he regretted damaging relations with Pakistan ahead of Zardari's visit, Cameron said: "I don't accept that they have been damaged. I look forward to discussing these and other issues (with Zardari)". (ANI)